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Olympic champions Skelton and Big Star to retire next month

Olympic champions Nick Skelton and Big Star are to make their final appearance at next month’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Their win in the Individual competition in Rio became one of the most emotional sports stories of 2016.

The pairing had also been part of Great Britain’s Team Gold success at London 2012.

Skelton had made a remarkable comeback after being breaking his neck in a fall in 2000 which saw him out of action for several years.

He has been partnering Big Star, owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson, since the now fourteen year-old was just five.

After his Rio success Skelton, now 59, stated that he himself would retire when Big Star’s competition days were over, and the pairing will bow out at next month’s 5-star show which runs from May 10th to 14th.